Challenges and opportunities experienced by Students with Physical Disabilities (SWPD’s) in Wollega Zones

964-968
Dinka Yadeta Oli (Department of Behavioral Science, College of Education and Behavioral Science Nekemte, Oromia, Ethiopia)

The main purpose of this study was to investigate challenges and opportunities experienced by Students with Physical Disabilities (SWPD’s) in Primary Schools of Wollega Zones. The research employed qualitative design and simple random sampling technique to select 2(two) primary schools from four towns of Wollega Zones (i.e., Shambu & Gimbi) and students with physical disabilities were selected purposively (i.e.,7 SWPD’s). Collection of data was conducted by using semi-structured interview to investigate the phenomena. The research employed Thematic Content Analysis as a mode of data analysis in the study. Results of the study showed that, students with physical disabilities generally find that there is inadequate physical infrastructure which compromises their physical access within the school and outside of the school. The participants also had to deal with discrimination from peers and staff. Furthermore, participants reported that being provided with proper facilities such as crunches and wheelchairs would help them find the environment less challenging. The poor infrastructure in schools cause many challenges and impair ability to move freely which, at times, leads them to staying in their classrooms thus increasing their separation. Finally, based on the findings and conclusion of the study, it was recommended that, awareness raising activities should be designed to the school principals, teachers, families and other stakeholders so that they could support and encourage inclusiveness of regular schools. School should be provided relevant training and they need to be innovative, flexible, creative, willing, welcoming and capable of initiating participatory inclusive environment.